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Steelers Prospect Watch: Carl Nassib

By Rich Donahue

Sep 12, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Carl Nassib (95) reacts after intercepting the ball during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
Sep 12, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive end Carl Nassib (95) reacts after intercepting the ball during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bulls at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O /
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Will the Pittsburgh Steelers target a pass rusher in the NFL Draft?

The NFL Draft is only a couple of days away.  Teams across the league are completing their final draft board, hoping to find a diamond in the rough.  For the Steelers, they are looking to find more talent for their young defense.

Though it is not an immediate position of need, the Steelers would benefit greatly from the additional of a pass rusher on Day 2 or Day 3 of the NFL Draft.  James Harrison may still end up retiring while the team is contemplating whether to pick up Jarvis Jones’ option.  A pass rusher the Steelers interviewed at the NFL Combine could here is name called the Black & Gold during the draft, Penn State’s Carl Nassib.

The senior from Happy Valley was one of the feel good stories of the 2015 college football season.  Starting his career at Penn State as a walk-on, Nassib worked his way up the ladder on special teams.  He senior year he won the starting job at defensive end and took the national by storm, racking up 46 total tackles, 19.5 for loss, 15.5 sacks (led nation) and 6 forced fumbles.

Nassib was recognized as first team All-Big Ten and first team All-American.  He was also named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and won the Vince Lombardi, Ted Hendricks and Ronnie Lott awards.  So what is so great about this one year wonder from Happy Valley?

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From his experience on special teams, Nassib has one of the best motors of any pass rusher in this draft.  He has a very long, athletic frame, standing 6’7 277, using his long strides and power to get the edge on the offensive tackle.  Nassib could be one of the smartest players in his draft with his intends to attend medical school after graduating with a degree in biology.

The problem with Nassib is he is a very player with limited experience dropping into coverage.  Taking a pass rusher with this much development needed could be risky for the Steelers.

Next: Steelers Prospect Watch: Shaq Lawson

If the team does select Nassib, look for him to star on special team while he works his way onto the starting defense.

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